Race Preview: Helvetia Half and 10k 6/7/2014 (Hillsboro, OR)

Although I’ve only run it once, back in 2009, the Helvetia Half Marathon will always have a special place in my heart, since it was my very first actual race! A friend had talked me into signing up for it two weeks prior to the event, and even though I wasn’t in great shape and hadn’t run more than a handful of miles, I agreed to do it. It was hard. It was hilly. I walked a lot. It was beautiful. And by the time I finally finished, they had run out of Jamba Juice (but not burgers!) And that was the moment I decided to become a “real runner”--I decided I needed to be fast enough to make sure I get all the post-race goodies! I’m excited for my running journey to bring me back to the beginning, for the 13th annual Helvetia Half.

The Helvetia Half Marathon was voted the BEST HALF MARATHON in the Northwest by Competitor Magazine Reader’s Poll for 2011 and 2012, and it’s easy to see why! The course tells runners to “leave the city behind,” and does just that. The challenging course starts at Hillsboro Stadium, meanders out onto rolling hills, through pastures, past Helvetia hamlet, and then back into the stadium (you might even see yourself crossing the finish on the jumbotron). There are nine water/aid/bathroom stations, and Team Athena will be leading pace groups.

 

Formerly a Run With Paula event, the Helvetia Half, 10k and kids’ races are now owned by the Better Series. But all of the fun and swag that you’ve come to expect from the Helvetia Half will still be present! At the finish line, half marathon finishers will receive a medal. All participants will receive a tech t-shirt (mens’ and womens’ styles!) and a veggie or meat burger from the Helvetia Tavern. For those 21+, there will also be a beer garden.

 

Helvetia Half Marathon & 10K run/walk (Hillsboro, OR)

When: Saturday, June 7, 2014

Where: Gordin Faber Hillsboro Stadium

Register: Online; Half marathon is $99 and 10k is $89 through April 30